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Added 9 October 2026

worthy

/ˈwɜː.ði/ noun

In Latin: dignus Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about worthy at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

An important, honorable person (word is often used humorously).
he told his story to some conservative worthies

adjective

Having worth or merit or value; being honorable or admirable.
a worthy fellow
Worthy of being chosen especially as a spouse.
the parents found the girl suitable for their son
Having qualities or abilities that merit recognition in some way.
behavior worthy of reprobation

Origin

From Middle English worthy, wurthi, from Old English *weorþiġ (“worthy”), equivalent to worth + -y. Cognate with Dutch waardig (“worthy”), Middle Low German werdig (“worthy”), German würdig (“worthy”), Swedish värdig (“worthy”), Icelandic verðugur (“worthy”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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